KUCHING, April 13: Unique Sarawak-made totes, clutches, jewelry, handicrafts as well as consumer products especially Sarawak laksa paste have been flying off the shelves at Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) Gallery in Singapore.
Statos deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Putrie Rozana revealed in a media release today that so far, 11 companies have entered into retail agreements with Statos to offer a range of consumables and handicrafts through the gallery.
“Growing numbers of Sarawak merchants are taking advantage of new retail opportunities at the Statos Gallery in Singapore.
“We realised that with the pandemic, Singaporeans and the residents here are not able to travel to Sarawak and we wanted to make the best possible use of our strategic office location here in Singapore.
“This is a way for locals to purchase sought-after Sarawak products and generate income for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) back home in Sarawak,” she said.
The opening of the retail gallery was a strategic move approved by the Statos board last year with an aim to provide direct returns to suppliers in Sarawak as well as test the Singapore market in search of new export opportunities.
“The opening of the retail gallery in December 2020 was well received by walk-in visitors, achieving sales valued at over RM3,000 in the first four weeks of trading,” she added.
Putrie emphasised that the unique Sarawak handicrafts and jewelry on display were the most popular especially as gifts for special occasions.
Tote bag and clutch supplier, San Bong Enterprises founder Bong Chiew Khiun, who was one of the first to sign up as a retail merchant, said that this marked a new milestone for San Bong bags.
“The products are being beautifully displayed and up for sale at Statos Gallery in Singapore.
“I am very happy and honoured to have this opportunity to showcase my products on an international level,” she added.
Bidayuh jewelry designer Winnie Copper gave Sarawak’s ethnic designs a contemporary twist in her range of handcrafted clay bead jewelry.
Delighted with the sales at the gallery, she expressed thanks to Statos for promoting Sarawak through her products.
“I am delighted to know that MM Collection designs have now penetrated into the Singapore market,” she said.
Sarawakian consumable products were also a popular buy especially MUSC Food Industries’ Sarawak laksa paste which were mostly snapped up by Sarawakians living in Singapore longing for a taste of home.
Raja Borneo’s Acacia honey as well as Kopi O Kosong and Coffee Mix 3-in-1 from Kopimas are among the products offered at Statos Gallery.
Gallery supervisor Zeella Rahmat emphasised that Statos is keen to bring in more products from Sarawak with Kokokam Botanical Tea and Gula Apong Nectar soon to be available.
“Keep a lookout on Statos Facebook page for the updates of new products available from our retail section,” she encouraged.
Sarawak-based companies wishing to join as retail merchants and sell their products at Statos Gallery may log on to www.statos.com.sg to register their interest or email zeella.rahmat@statos.com.sg. — DayakDaily
